Le Guen slams pitch protester

Tuesday 3 January 2006 00:11 BST

The protester who invaded the pitch during Rangers' UEFA Cup tie against Israeli side Maccabi Haifa has been branded "disrespectful" by Paul Le Guen.

The Gers boss admits he was stunned to see the man race across the pitch before attempting to handcuff himself to a goalpost. The game was held up for several minutes as policemen and stewards attempted to remove the intruder.

"I'm always surprised when someone uses such an event to do something like this," he said. "I don't like it. It's not fair and it is disrespectful."

He added: "I think the fans also feel it is disrespectful so I can understand their reaction."

The antics of the man - who was draped in a Palestinian flag and wearing a t-shirt with a photograph of the Pope - drew an angry response from both sets of fans.

The actions of the protester could see Rangers fined by UEFA.

The incident has been noted in the match report and will be discussed at their next disciplinary committee meeting on December 7.

A spokesman confirmed: "This incident has indeed been mentioned in the report, meaning a disciplinary case will be opened.

"A meeting of the disciplinary committee will take place on December 7. A fine would be the likely punishment."